A finch, just taken in a net, First tries some gap to fly at; So Franconnette, just like a bird, escaped With Lawrence, whom she hated; Incensed he turned to kiss her; He swiftly ran, but in his pursuit warm, The moment she was caught he stumbled, Slipped, fell, and sudden broke his arm.

Misfortunes ne'er come single, it is said. The gloomy night was now far spent; But in that fright of frights, quite in a breath, The house-door creaked and ope'd! Was it a wraith? No! but an old man bearded to the waist, And now there stood before the throng the Black Wood Ghaist! "Imprudent youths!" he cried; "I come from gloomy rocks up yonder, Your eyes to ope: I'm filled with wrath and wonder! You all admire this Franconnette; Learn who she is, infatuate!

From very cradle she's all evil; Her wretched father, miserable,

Passed to the Hugnenots and sold her to the Devil; Her mother died of shame— And thus the demon plays his game. Now he has bought this woman base, He tracks her in her hiding-place. You see how he has punished Pascal and Lawrence Because they gave her light embrace! Be warned! For who so dares this maid to wed, Amid the brief delight of their first nuptial night, Will sudden hear a thunder-peal o'er head! The demon cometh in his might To snatch the bride away in fright, And leave the ill-starred bridegroom dead!"

The Wizard said no more; but angry, fiery rays, From scars his visage bore, seemed suddenly to blaze. Four times he turned his heel upon, Then bade the door stand wide, or ere his foot he stayed; With one long creak the door obeyed, And lo! the bearded ghaist was gone!

He left great horror in his wake! None stirred in all the throng; They looked nor left nor right, when he away had gone, They seemed all changed to stone— Only the stricken maid herself stood brave against her wrong;

And in the hope forlorn that all might pass for jest, With tremulous smile, half bright, half pleading, She swept them with her eyes, and two steps forward pressed; But when she saw them all receding, And heard them cry "Avaunt!" then did she know her fate; Then did her saddened eyes dilate With speechless terror more and more, The while her heart beat fast and loud, Till with a cry her head she bowed And sank in swoon upon the floor. Such was the close of Busking night, Though it began so gay and bright; The morrow was the New Year's day, It should have been a time most gay; But now there went abroad a fearful rumour— It was remembered long time after In every house and cottage home throughout the land— Though 'twas a fiction and a superstition,— It was, "The De'il's abroad! He's now a-roaming; How dreadful! He is now for lost souls seeking!"

The folks were roused and each one called to mind That some, in times of yore, had heard the sound Of Devil's chains that clanked; How soon the father vanished, The mother, bent in agony, A maniac she died! That then all smiled; they felt nor hurt nor harm, They lived quite happy on their cottage farm, And when the fields were spoilt with hail or rain, Their ground was covered o'er with plums and grain.

It was enough; the girls believed it all, Grandmothers, mothers—thoughts did them appal— Even infants trembled at the demon's name; And when the maiden hung her head in pain,. And went abroad, they scarce would give her passage; They called to her, "Away! Avaunt! thou imp of evil, Behold the crime of dealing with the Devil!"

THIRD PART.

The Maid at Estanquet—A Bad Dream—The Grandmother's Advice— Blessed Bread—Satisfaction and Affection—First Thought of Love —Sorrowfulness—The Virgin.

Beside a cot at Estanquet, Down by a leafy brooklet, The limpid stream Enshadowed sheen, Lapped o'er the pebbles murmuring. Last summer sat a maid, with gathered flowers, She was engaged in setting, Within her grassy bowers; She sang in joy her notes so thrilling, As made the birds, their sweet songs trilling, Most jealous.

Why does she sing no more? midst fields and hedgerows verdant; 'The nightingales that came within her garden, With their loud "jug! jug!" warbling, And their sweet quavers singing; Can she have left her cottage home?

No! There's her pretty hat of straw Laid on the bench; but then they saw There was no ribbon round it; The garden all neglected; The rake and wat'ring-pot were down Amongst the jonquils overthrown; The broken-branched roses running riot; The dandelion, groundsell, all about; And the nice walks, laid out with so much taste, Now cover'd with neglected weeds and wanton waste.

Oh! what has happened here? Where is the lively maid? The little birds now whispering said; Her home is sparkling there beyond, With tufted branch of hazel round; Let's just peep in, the door is open, We make no noise, but let us listen. Ah! there's grandmother, on her arm-chair, fast asleep! And here, beside the casement deep, The maid of Estanquet, in saddened pain and grief, The tears down-falling on her pretty hand; To whom no joy nor hope can ever give relief!

Ah! yes,'twas dark enough! for it is Franconnette, Already you've divined it is our pet!

And see her now, poor maiden, Bending beneath the falsest blow, o'erladen; She sobs and weeps alternately— Her heart is rent and empty, Oft, to console herself, she rises, walks, and walks again; Alas! her trouble is so full of pain— Awake or sleeping— she's only soothed by weeping. Daughter of Huguenot accursed, And banished from the Church! Sold to the demon; she's for ever cursed! Grandmother, waking, said, "Child, 'tis not true; It matters not; 'tis but thy father fled, No one can contradict that raving crew; They know not where he is, and could they see him, They would so frightened be, they'd not believe their een!"

"How changed things are," said Franconnette, "before I was so happy; Then I was village queen, all followed love in harmony; And all the lads, to please me, Would come barefooted, e'en through serpents' nests, to bless me! But now, to be despised and curst, I, who was once the very first! And Pascal, too, whom once I thought the best, In all my misery shuns me like a pest! Now that he knows my very sad mishaps, He ne'er consoles with me at all—perhaps——"

She did deceive herself. Her grief to-day was softened By hearing that Pascal 'gainst slanders her defended; Such magic help, it was a balm Her aching soul to calm; And then, to sweeten all her ill, She thought always of Pascal—did this softened girl.

What is that sound? A sudden shriek! Grandmother dreamt—she was now wide awake; The girl sprang to her; she said, "Isn't the house aflame? Ah! twas a dream! Thank God!" her murmur came.

"Dear heart," the girl said softly; "what was this dream of thine?" "Oh, love! 'twas night, and loud ferocious men, methought Came lighting fires all round our little cot, And thou did'st cry unto them, daughter mine, To save me, but did'st vainly strive, For here we too must burn alive! The torment that I bore! How shall I cure my fright Come hither, darling, let me hold thee tight!"

Then the white-headed dame, in withered arms of love, With yearning tenderness folded the brown-haired girl, who strove, By many a smile, and mute caress, To hearten her, until at length The aged one cried out, her love gave vital strength, "Sold to the Demon, thou? It is a hideous lie! Therefore, dear child, weep not so piteously; Take courage! Be thou brave in heart once more, Thou art more lovely than before— Take grannie's word for that! Arise! Go forth; who hides from envious eyes Makes wicked people spiteful; I've heard this, my pet; I know full well there's one who loves thee yet— Marcel would guard thee with his love; Thou lik'st not him? Ah! could he move Thy feelings, he would shield thee, dear, And claim thee for his own. But I am all too feeble grown; Yet stay, my darling, stay! To-morrow's Easter Day, Go thou to Mass, and pray as ne'er before! Then take the blessed bread, if so the good God may The precious favour of his former smile restore, And on thy sweet face, clear as day, Own thou art numbered with his children evermore!"

Then such a gleam of hope lit the old face again, Furrowed so deep with years and pain, That, falling on her neck, the maiden promised well, And once more on the white cot silence fell.

When, therefore, on the morrow, came the country-side, To hear the Hallelujas in the church of Saint Pierre; Great was the wonderment of those that spied The maiden, Franconnette, silently kneeling there,

Telling her beads with downcast eyes of prayer. She needs, poor thing, Heaven's mercy to implore, For ne'er a woman's will she win! But then, beholding her sweet mien, Were Marvel and Pascal, eyeing her fondly o'er; She saw them with her glances, dark as night, Then shrinking back, they left her all alone, Midway of a great circle, as they might Some poor condemned one Bearing some stigma on her brow in sight.

This was not all, poor child! It was well known— The warden, uncle to Marcel, Carried the Blessed Bread; And like a councillor, did swell In long-tailed coat, with pompous tread: But when the trembling maid, making a cross, essayed To take a double portion, as her dear old grandame bade, Right in the view of every eye, The sacred basket he withdrew, and passed her wholly And so, denied her portion of the bread whereby we live, She, on glad Easter, doth receive Dismissal from God's house for aye.

The maid, trembling with fear, thought all was lost indeed! But no! she hath a friend at need; 'Twas Pascal, who had seen her all the while— Pacal, whose young foot walked along the aisle, He made the quest, and nothing loth, In view of uncle and of nephew both, Doth quietly to her present,

Upon a silver plate, with flowers fair blossoming, The crown-piece{5} of the Holy Sacrament— And all the world beholds the pious offering.

Oh! moment full of joy; her blood sprang into fleetness; Warmth was in all her frame, her senses thrilled with sweetness; She saw the bread of God arisen Out of its earthly prison, Thus life unto her own was given: But wherefore did her brow quite blushing grow? Because the angel bright of love, I trow, Did with her glowing breath impart Life to the flame long smouldering in her heart. It did become a something strange, and passing all desire As honey sweet, and quick as fire Did her sad soul illuminate With a new being; and, though late, She knew the word for her delight, The fair enigma she could guess. People and priest all vanish'd from her sight, She saw in all the church only one man aright— He whom she loved at last, with utmost gratefulness.

Then from Saint Peter's church the throng widely dispersed, And of the scandal they had seen, now eagerly conversed; But lost not sight of her at all Who bore the Bread of Honour to the ancient dame, ere this, She sitteth now alone, shut in her chamber small, While Franconnette beams brightly with her new-found bliss.

On the parched earth, where falls the earliest dew, As shines the sun's first rays, the winter flown— So love's first spark awakes to life anew, And fills the startled mind with joy unknown. The maiden yielded every thought to this— The trembling certainty of real bliss; The lightning of a joy before improved, Flash'd in her heart, and told her that she loved.

She fled from envy, and from curious eyes, And dreamed, as all have done, their waking dreams, Bidding in thought bright fairy fabrics rise To shrine the loved one in their golden gleams. Alas! the sage is right, 'tis the distrest Who dream the fondest, and who love the best.

But when the saddened heart controls us quite, It quickly turns to gall the sweets of our delight. Then she remembered all! The opening heaven turned grey, Dread thought now smites her heavily. Dreams she of love? Why, what is she? Sweet love is not for her! The dreaded sorcerer Hath said she's fore-sold for a price—a murderer! With heart of dev'lish wrath, which whoso dares to brave To lie with her one night, therein shall find his grave. She, to see Pascal perish at her side! "Oh God! have pity on me now!" she cried. So, rent with cruel agonies, And weeping very sore, Fell the poor child upon her knees, Her little shrine before.

"Oh, Holy Virgin!"—sighing—"on thee alone relying, I come; I'm all astray! Father and mother too Are dead lang syne, and I accursed! All tongues are crying This hideous tale! Yet save me if't be true; If they have falsely sworn, be it on their souls borne When I shall bring my taper on the fete-day morn{6} Oh! blessed Mother, let me see That I am not denied of thee!"

Brief prayer, Though 'tis sincere, To Heaven mounts quickly, Sure to have won a gracious ear; The maid her purpose holds, and ponders momently, And oftentimes grows sick, and cannot speak for fear, But sometimes taketh heart, and sudden hope and strong Shines in her soul, as brightest meteor gleams the sky along.

FOURTH PART.

The Fete at Notre Dame—Offering to the Virgin—Thunderstroke and Taper Extinguished—The Storm at Roquefort— Fire at Estanquet—Triumph of Pascal—Fury of Marcel— Power of a Mother—Bad Head and Good Heart—Conclusion.

At last, behold the day she longed for, yet so fearfully, But lo! the sun rose cheerfully; And long, long lines of white-robed village girls From all the country round, walked tow'rds the tinkling bells, And soon, proud Notre Dame appeared in sight, As 'midst a cloud of perfume! 'Twas if the thirty hamlets in their might Were piled together into one.

What priests! What candles! Crucifixes! Garlands! What Angels,{7} and what banners!

You see there Artigues, Puymiral, Astafort, Saint-Cirq, Cardonnet, Lusignan, Brax, Roquefort, But this year, Roquefort first, o'erleapeth all. What crowds there are of curious people, To watch the girl sold to the Devil! The news has travelled everywhere; They know that she, in silent prayer, Implores the Virgin to protect her there!

Her neighbours scoff, and her menace, But saddened friends grieve at her sore disgrace, Love, through their heart, in fervour rills, Each one respects this plaintivest of girls; And many a pitying soul a prayer said, That some great miracle might yet be made In favour of this poor and suppliant maid.

She saw, rejoiced, more hope with her abode; Though voice of people is the voice of God! Oh! how her heart beat as the church she neared, 'Twas for the Virgin's indulgence she cared. Mothers with heartaches; young unfortunates; The orphan girls; the women without mates; All knelt before, with tapers waxen, The image of the Virgin; And there the aged priest, in surplice dressed, Placed the crosses at their lips, and afterwards them blessed.

No sign of sorrow did on any suppliant fall, But with their happy hearts, their ways went one and all, So Franconnette grew happy too, And most because Pascal prayed fervent in her view; She dared t'raise her eyes to the holy father's face, It seemed to her that love, hymns, lights, and the incense United, cried out, "Grace!" "Grace, grace divine," she sighed, "and love! Let them be mine!" Then stretching out her taper lit, and followed to the shrine, Bearing a garland in her hand; and all about her strove To give a place to her, and bade her forward move. They fixed their eyes upon the sacred priest and her, And scarce a breath was drawn, and not a soul did stir; But when the priest, holding the image of redeeming love, Had laid it on the orphan's lips; before her kiss was given, Burst a terrific thunderpeal, as if 'twould rend the heaven, Blowing her taper out, and all the altar lights above.

Oh, what is this? The crashing thunder! Her prayer denied, the lights put out! Good God! she's sold indeed! All, all is true, no doubt, So a long murmur rose of horror and of wonder; For while the maiden breathlessly Cowering like some lost soul, their shuddering glances under, Sudden crept forth, all shrunk away, and let her pass them by.

Howbeit, that great peal was the opening blow Of a wild storm and terrible, That straightway upon Roquefort fell, The spire of Saint Pierre{8} lay in ruins low, And, smitten by the sharp scourge of the hail, In all the region round, men could but weep and wail.

The angel bands who walked that day In fair procession, hymns to sing, Turned sorrowing, all save one, away, Ora pro nobis chaunting.

Yet, in those early times, though not as now, The angry waves to clear; To other jealous towns could Agen show Great bridges three, as she a royal city were;

Then she had only barges two, by poles propelled slow, That waited for the minstrels, to bear them to Roquefort, Whose villagers heard rumours of the widespread woe; Ere landing, they were ranged for singing on the shore. At first the tale but half they heed, But soon they see in very deed, Vineyards and happy fields with hopeless ruin smit; Then each let fall his banner fair, And lamentations infinite Bent on all sides the evening air, Till o'er the swelling throng rose deadly clear the cry, "And still we spare this Franconnette!" Then suddenly, As match to powder laid, the words "Set her on fire! That daughter of the Huguenot, Let's burn her up, and let her ashes rot." Then violent cries were heard. Howls of "Ay! Ay! the wretch! Now let her meet her fate! She is the cause of all, 'tis plain! Once she has made us desolate, But she shall never curse again!"

And now the crowd grew angrier, wilder too. "Hunt her off face of earth!" one shouts anew; "Hunt her to death! 'Tis meet," a thousand tongues repeat, The tempest in the skies cannot with this compete. Oh, then, to see them as they came, With clenched fists and eyes aflame, Hell did indeed its demons all unchain. And while the storm recedes, the night is growing clear, But poison shoots through every vein Of the possess'd madmen there.

Thus goaded they themselves to crime; but where was she, Unhappy Franconnette? To her own cottage driven— Worshipping her one relic, sad and dreamily, And whispered to the withered flowers Pascal had loving given: "Dear nosegay, when I saw thee first, Methought thy sweetness was divine, And I did drink it, heart athirst; But now thou art not sweet as erst, Because those wicked thoughts of mine Have blighted all thy beauty rare; I'm sold to powers of ill, for Heav'n hath spurned my prayer; My love is deadly love! No hope on earth have I! So, treasure of my heart, flowers of the meadow fair, Because I bless the hand that gathered thee, good-bye! Pascal must not love such as I! He must th' accursed maid forswear, Who yet to God for him doth cry! In wanton merriment last year, Even at love laughed Franconnette; Now is my condemnation clear, Now whom I love, I must forget; Sold to the demon at my birth! My God, how can it be? Have I not faith in Thee? Oh! blessed blossoms of the earth; Let me drive with my cross the evil one from me! And thou, my mother, in the star-lit skies above, And thou, my guardian, oh! mother of our God, Pity me: For I bless Pascal, but part from him I love!

Pity the maid accursed, by the rod Sore smitten, to the earth down-trod, Help me, thy Heart Divine to move!"

"Franconnette, little one, what means thy plaintive moan?" So spake the hoary dame. "Didst thou not smiling say Our Lady did receive thy offering to-day? But sure, no happy heart should make so sad a groan. Thou hast deceived me? Some new ill," she said, Hath fall'n upon us!" "Nay, not so; be comforted. I—I'm quite happy!" "So my sweetest deary, God grant that some good respite we may have, For your sad sorrow diggeth up my grave; And this hath been a lonesome, fearsome day, and weary; That cruel dream of fire I had some time ago, Howe'er I strove, did always haunt me so! And then, thou know'st the storm; oh, I was terrified, So that, to-night, my dear, I shudder in my fright!"

What sudden noise is this outside? "Fire! Fire! Let's burn them in their cot!" Flames shine through all the shutters wide, Then Franconnette springs to the doorway tremblingly, And, gracious Heaven! what doth she see? By light of burning reek, An angry people huddled thick; She hears them shout, "Now, to your fate! Spare ne'er the young one, nor the old, Both work us ruin manifold. Sold to the demon, we must burn you straight!"

The girl fell on her knees, before the face Of that most furious populace.

She cried, "Grandmother will you kill? Oh, pity, grace!" "Twas of no use, the wretches, blind with fury, In viewing her bareheaded, in their hurry, Saw but a cursed leman, Sold bodily to the demon. The fiercest cried "Avaunt!" While the more savage forward spring, And on the door their feet they plant, With fiery brand in their hand brandishing.

"Hold! I implore you!"cried a voice, before unheard; And sudden leapt before the crowd like lightning with the word, A man of stately strength and tall, It was the noble, brave Pascal!

"Cowards!" he cried. "What? Will you murder women then, And burn their cot? Children of God! Are you the same? Tigers you are, and cannot then be men; And after all that they have suffered! Shame! Fall back! Fall back! I say; the walls are growing hot!"

"Then let her leave us quite, this wretched Huguenot, For she was long since by the devil bought, God smites us 'cause we did not drive her forth before." "Quick! quick!" cried Pascal, "living they will burn! Ye dogs, who moved ye to this awful crime?" "'Twas Marcel," they replied. "See, now he comes in time!" "You lie!" the soldier thundered in his turn; "I love her, boaster, more than thou!" Said Pascal, "How wilt prove thy love, thou of the tender heart?" "I come," the other said, "to save her. I come to take her part. I come, if so she will, to wed her, even now."

"And so am I," replied Pascal, and steadfastly Before his rival's eyes, as bound by some great spell. Then to the orphan girl turned he, With worship all unspeakable. "Answer me, Franconnette, and speak the truth alone; Thou'st followed by the wicked with spite and scorn, my own; But we two love thee well, and ready are to brave Death! Yes, or hell, thy precious life to save. Choose which of us thou wilt!" "Nay," she lamented sore, "Dearest, mine is a love that slays! Be happy, then, without me! Forget me! Go thy ways!"

"Happy without thee, dear! That can I never more: Nay, were it true, as lying rumour says, An evil spirit ruled you o'er, I'd rather die with you, than live bereaved days!"

When life is at its bitterest, The voice of love aye rules us best; Instantly rose the girl above her mortal dread, And on the crowd advancing straight, "Because I love Pascal, alone I'd meet my fate! Howbeit his will is law," she said, "Wherefore together let our souls be sped." Then was Pascal in heav'n, and Marcel in the dust laid low; Then Pascal sought his gallant rival, saying, "I am more blest than thou! Forgive! thou'rt brave, I know, Some squire{9} should follow me to death; then wilt thou not Serve me? I have no other friend!" Marcel seemed dreaming; And now he scowled with wrath, and now his eyes were kindling; Terrible was the battle in his mind; Till his eye fell on Franconnette, serene and beaming, But with no word for him; then pale, but smilingly, "Because it is her will," he said, "I follow thee."

Two weeks had passed away, and a strange nuptial train, Adown the verdant hill went slowly to the plain; First came the comely pair we know, in all their bloom, While gathered far and wide, three deep on either side, The ever-curious rustics hied, Shudd'ring at heart o'er Pascal's doom. Marcel conducts their march, but pleasures kindly true, Glows not upon th' unmoving face he lifts to view. And something glances from his eye, That makes men shudder as they pass him by;

Yet verily his mien triumphant is, at least Sole master is he of this feast, And gives his rival, for bouquet, A supper and a ball to-day. But at the dance and at the board Alike, scarce one essayed a word; None sung a song, none raised a jest, For dark forebodings everyone oppressed.

And the betrothed, by love's deep rapture fascinated, Silent and sweet, though near the fate she sad awaited, No sound their dream dispelled, yet hand in hand did press, Their eyes looked ever in a visioned happiness; And so, at last, the evening fell. But one affrighted woman straightway broke the spell; She fell on Pascal's neck and "Fly, my son!" she cried. "I from the Sorcerer come! Fly, fly from thy false bride The fatal sieve{10} hath turned; thy death decree is spoken! There's sulphur fume in bridal room, and by the same dread token, Enter it not; for if thou liv'st thou'rt lost," she sadly said; "And what were life to me, my son, if thou wert dead?" Then Pascal felt his eyes were wet, And turned away, striving to hide his face, where on The mother shrieked, "Ingrate! but I will save thee yet.

Thou wilt not dare!"—falling before her stricken son. "Thou shalt now o'er my body pass, even as thou goest forth! A wife, it seems, is all; and mother nothing worth! Unhappy that I am! "The crowd alas! their heavy tears ran down!

"Marcel," the bridegroom said, "her grief is my despair; But love, thou knowest, 's stronger yet; indeed 'tis time to go! Only, should I perish, let my mother be thy care."

"I can no more," cried Marcel, "thy mother's conquered here." And then the valiant soldier from his eyelids brushed a tear. "Take courage, Pascal, friend of mine Thy Franconnette is good and pure. That hideous tale was told, of dark design; But give thy mother thanks; but for her coming, sure This night might yet have seen my death and thine." "What say'st thou?" "Hush! now I will tell thee all; Thou knowest that I lov'd this maid, Pascal. For her, like thee, I would have shed my blood; I dreamt that I was loved again; she held me in her thrall. Albeit my prayer was aye withstood; Her elders promised her to me; And so, when other suitors barr'd my way, In spite, Saying, in love or war, one may use strategy, I gave the wizard gold, my rival to affright, Therefore, my chance did everything, insomuch that I said, My treasure is already won and made. But when, in the same breath, we two our suit made known, And when I saw her, without turn of head, Choose thee, to my despair, it was not to be borne. And then I vow'd her death and thine, before the morrow morn! I thought to lead you forth to the bridal bower ere long, And then, the bed beside which I had mined with care, That they might say no prince or power of th' air Is here. That I might burn you for my wrong; Ay, cross yourselves, thought I, for you shall surely die! But thy mother, with her tears, has made my vengeance fly I thought of my own, Pascal, who died so long ago. Care thou for thine! And now fear nought from me, I trow, Eden is coming down to earth for thee, no doubt, But I, whom henceforth men can only hate and flout, Will to the wars away! For in me something saith I may recover from my rout, Better than by a crime! Ay! by a soldier's death!" Thus saying, Marcel vanished, loudly cheered on every side; And then with deepening blushes the twain each other eyed, For now the morning stars in the dark heavens shone But now I lift my pencil suddenly. Colours for strife and pain have I, But for such perfect rapture—none!

And so the morning came, with softly-dawning light, No sound, no stir as yet within the cottage white, At Estanquet the people of the hamlets gathered were, To wait the waking of the happy married pair. Marcel had frankly told th' unhappy truth; Nathless, The devil had an awful power, And ignorance was still his dower. Some feared for bride and bridegroom yet; and guess At strange mischance. "In the night cries were heard," Others had seen some shadows on the wall, in wondrous ways. Lives Pascal yet? None dares to dress The spicy broth,{11} to leave beside the nuptial door; And so another hour goes o'er. Then floats a lovely strain of music overhead, A sweet refrain oft heard before, 'Tis the aoubado{12} offered to the newly-wed.

So the door opes at last, and the young pair was seen, She blushed before the folk, but friendly hand and mien, The fragments of her garter gives, And every woman two receives; Then winks and words of ruth from eye and lip are passed, And luck of proud Pascal makes envious all at last, For the poor lads, whose hearts are healed but slightly, Of their first fervent pain, When they see Franconnette, blossoming rose-light brightly, All dewy fresh, so sweet and sightly, They cry aloud, "We'll ne'er believe a Sorcerer again!"

Endnotes to FRANCONNETTE.

{1} Blaise de Montluc, Marshal of France, was one of the bitterest persecutors of the Hugueuots. Towards the end of the sixteenth century, Agen was a centre of Protestantism. The town was taken again and again by the contending religious factions. When Montluc retook the place, in 1562, from Truelle, the Huguenot captain, he found that the inhabitants had fled, and there was no one to butcher (Gascogne et Languedoc, par Paul Joanne, p. 95). Montluc made up for his disappointment by laying waste the country between Fumel and Penne, towns to the north of Agen, and slaying all the Huguenots—men, women, and children—on whom he could lay his hands. He then returned to his castle of Estillac, devoted himself to religious exercises, and "took the sacrament," says Jasmin, "while his hands were dripping with fraternal blood." Montluc died in 1577, and was buried in the garden of Estillac, where a monument, the ruins of which still exist', was erected over his remains.

{2} Jour de Dieu!

{3} Wehr-wolves, wizard wolves—loup-garou. Superstitions respecting them are known in Brittany and the South of France.

{4} Miss Harriett W. Preston, in her article on Jasmin's Franconnette in the Atlantic Monthly for February, 1876, says: "The buscou, or busking, was a kind of bee, at which the young people assembled, bringing the thread of their late spinning, which was divided into skeins of the proper size by a broad thin plate of steel or whalebone called a busc. The same thing, under precisely the same name, figured in the toilets of our grandmothers, and hence, probably, the Scotch use of the verb to busk, or attire." Jamieson (Scottish Dictionary) says: "The term busk is employed in a beautiful proverb which is very commonly used in Scotland, 'A bonny bride is soon busked.'"

{5} Miss Preston says this was a custom which prevailed in certain parts of France. It was carried by the French emigrants to Canada, where it flourished in recent times. The Sacramental Bread was crowned by one or more frosted or otherwise ornamented cakes, which were reserved for the family of the Seigneur, or other communicants of distinction.

{6} At Notre Dame de Bon Encontre, a church in the suburbs of Agen, celebrated for its legends, its miracles, and the numerous pilgrimages which are usually made to it in the month of May.

{7} The Angels walked in procession, and sang the Angelos at the appropriate hours.

{8} The ancient parish church of Roquefort, whose ruins only now remain. See text for the effects of the storm.

{9} Dounzel is the word used by Jasmin. Miss H. W. Preston says of this passage: "There is something essentially knightly in Pascal's cast of character, and it is singular that, at the supreme crisis of his fate, he assumes, as if unconsciously, the very phraseology of chivalry. 'Some squire (dounzel) should follow me to death,' &c., and we find it altogether natural and burning in the high-hearted smith. There are many places where Jasmin addresses his hearers directly as 'Messieurs,' where the context also makes it evident that the word is emphatic, that he is distinctly conscious of addressing those who are above him in rank, and that the proper translation is 'gentles,' or even 'masters'; yet no poet ever lived who was less of a sycophant."

{10} Low sedas (the sieve) is made of raw silk, and is used for sifting flour. It has also a singular use in necromancy. When one desires to know the name of the doer of an act—a theft for instance—the sieve is made to revolve, but woe to him whose name is spoken just as the sieve stops!

{11} An ancient practice. Lou Tourrin noubial, a highly-spiced onion soup, was carried by the wedding guests to the bridegroom at a late hour of the night.

{12} The aoubado—a song of early morning, corresponding to the serenade or evening song.

THE END